INTERVIEW WITH NYLO FITNESS

What is the concept? What will this encompass? 

We believe that natural systems are inherently regenerative and positive sum. Jiddhu Krishnamurti said, “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Our society is not set up to encourage health. The best example of this is to look at how 19th centuries zoos looked. They were just concrete cages and the animals in them were very sick, unhappy, and died early consequently. Modern zoos mimic the most natural environment possible, and the animals there are healthier and live longer than even their wild counterparts. Of all animals, we are the only ones who domesticated themselves. And we have built ourselves a terrible zoo. 

NYLO is the operator’s manual for the human body that we were born into. We inherited these bodies and have done our best to navigate the world with them, but it’s mostly just guess work and trial error as we go. What should I eat? How should I move and walk and bend over? Are any of these things damaging to me long term without me realizing it? (spoiler, yes. They are.) 

So, we look at every aspect of life -- your body, mind, and how you interact with the world. BIO-PSYCHO-SOCIAL. We facilitate an understanding of our natural systems: movements, strength, mobility, and balance. And a natural foods diet that gets as close to unprocessed as possible.

Also, natural relationship that are not based on domination or hierarchy. This extends to our mind and how we speak to ourselves about ourselves. Not trying to “whip ourselves into shape” but empathize with ourselves, see what needs we have that are not being met, and change our perspectives so that doing what we need becomes what we want. (Psycho)

We also examine relationships with the external world. This is as simple as “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” You cannot consume content or spend time with others without that influencing you internally. When you stare into the abyss it stares back into you. 

We look at the nutrition labels for the foods we consume but not for the ideas we consume. Our relationships we have with the outside world deeply affect our relationships internally with ourselves. Most tangibly, this translates into advising clients to take up healthier hobbies, like only watching TV when stretching or on the treadmill, choosing outdoor or mobile activities with friends, choosing healthier restaurants, etc. 

This also extends to our relationships with procurers of what we consume. We have signed up our first business partner, The Hudson Valley Farmer’s Cooperative, which practices “agro-ecology” that heals the land by recreating natural ecosystems on it. Nylo will provide this as a delivery option for clients. We will also partner with soap and body product companies, produce farmers, etc. that follow ethical, sustainable, zero carbon, and eco-friendly practices. Health starts with our own bodies, but it extends to everything else. We cannot be truly healthy unless what we eat is and use is healthy and having a direct relationship with those producers guarantees that level of transparency. 

What will each floor of Nylo offer?

We’ve designed the first floor of Nylo -- our entrance -- to provide a sense of immediate tranquility, peace of mind, and healing. This is where the “bio-psycho-social” journey begins. It’s an escape from the urban grind. 

The first thing people will notice when coming into Nylo is an abundance of plant life, which is inherently calming. We’ve taken inspiration from the Japanese practice of forest bathing. Exposure to natural green environments is prove to improve mood and health metrics while decreasing stress and pathologies.

Our clients and independent trainers will check in with a one-to-one experience that makes sure all their needs for the visit are exceeded. We’ll also have organic products from local producers on display, which can be purchased or delivered. The first floor will also include shoe lockers for our guests: we will require anyone who comes into Nylo to remove their street shoes for the duration of the visit. Not only does this address sanitary and hygiene concerns, but it’s symbolic of the experience: Nylo is an escape. Our clients can wear gym shoes or socks if they choose.

Our 2nd floor is where Elena and I will work with clients on creating and maintaining a fitness regimen that works for them, whether that includes barbells, kettlebells, free weights, squat rack, cardio equipment, massage table or other equipment. Nylo will have everything our clients need to attune their bodies to their goal. Aesthetically, it will be a natural space filled with lights and plant life. And, intensely private. We’ve purposely limited the floor to just a few clients, from one to three at a time. This allows us to address a client’s needs and concerns in a quiet safe space. Fitness isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, it’s mental, it’s environmental, and it’s deeply personal. Behind a shoji screen style door, we’re able to build the intimacy necessary to find joy and focus in the training.

And on the 3rd floor, Nylo provides space for clients to bring their own trainers to continue their existing programs. Do you love your trainer but not your gym? This is a trend we are seeing across the nation. Some chains are owned by developers and billionaires who actively support divisive politicians and causes that conflict with the values of their clients. They also exhibit toxic and often hostile environments towards not just their clients but employees. Another disturbing practice we have seen is bigger gym chains extorting trainers with fees. We created Nylo to counteract all these experiences. Our clients will never have to compromise on the quality of their relationship to health.

What will you do better than anyone else?

Look at the whole picture. Fitness is not limited to squats and protein. That isn’t realistic to our clientele. They are not training to be professional athletes. They are already professionals. We are offering a way to maximize health spans. This is about living as long and as healthfully as possible. Being free to move, free from pain, and free to love your look. These are as much psychological and sociological as they are physical. We collaborate to define your fitness and design your environment to achieve it.


What considerations do you make in creating an experience/ setting like this for ultra-lux/ affluent clients? What were your priorities?

Cleanliness … Environment … and Service. The trainers (Elena and I) are world class, but we’ve had careers before fitness. Elena was a corporate lawyer in Moscow before becoming a competitive snowboarder. She found fitness in the Alps before coming to conquer America. I majored in English literature and found fitness while teaching English and coaching in Asia for three years. it was a chance to absorb a new culture and read obsessively. When clients come to train with us, we speak and understand the same language. The training is always fun. In order to make lasting changes, we design the process in a way you’ll love. The hardest part is showing up, we'll take care of you from there.

Who is the audience?

Nylo is targeted to a very specific clientele: a person with the means and the bandwidth to invest in themselves and in what they believe. Sometimes it’s environmental considerations, societal concerns, political leanings. Often, it’s very personal, like what they put into their bodies. And not just eating, but how the food was grown, who grew it, how it got to them. Nylo clients vote with their purchases for the kind of world they want to live in. Our view of natural systems informs our training programs and nutrition recommendations as much as our choice in Nylo’s locker room amenities. Quality is best achieved through organic and sustainable means. People who come to our studio look at their health and wellbeing holistically. It’s not just losing 30 pounds. It’s about creating independence and learning their best way to move through a world that didn’t come with a user’s manual.

Why TriBeCa/ downtown? What drew you to this area?

I love the vibe. The feeling. The people. The architecture. And the culture. It’s an inconspicuous neighborhood that doesn’t scream wealth even though it’s incredibly affluent. People in TriBeCa are very successful but they go about their business without you knowing it. And they put their efforts, minds, and wallets into what they believe in. There is an incredible sense of community in TriBeCa which we’re excited to be part of. 

Why do you think this is needed right now?

The world is in a precarious place after two years of uncertainty: a divisive president, social upheaval, pandemic, and a battered economy. People have been scared, quarantined, and made major changes to their lives. They’re tired, but they’ve built resilient through this. They are more confident in their beliefs and values, and unafraid to show it. We wear our hearts on the sleeves of 100% recycled apparel. 

The last two years have shown we don’t have much control over the outside world. We offer a way to look inward. To approach self-care without a sense of nagging guilt, but a sense of purpose. We work to define fitness on an individual basis according to one’s values. What kind of world do they want to live in and what do they want to do in it?

Nylo is not a glorified real estate company. Our revenue will never go to supporting causes or politicians who don’t believe in sustainability, inclusivity, and equality. We approach our clients in their full context physically, mentally, and socially. Our values are a result of our sense of the world, our reality, we welcome everyone to check out the view.